Presidential Inauguration

“Faith in America’s Future” was the theme of America’s 57th presidential inauguration. In a nod to 2 big milestones -- the 150th anniversary of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the Capitol dome’s completion -- the Washington, DC, festivities culminated in President Obama’s public swearing-in ceremony on the Capitol’s west side.9601280

“Faith in America’s Future” was the theme of America’s 57th presidential inauguration. In a nod to 2 big milestones -- the 150th anniversary of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the Capitol dome’s completion -- the Washington, DC, festivities culminated in President Obama’s public swearing-in ceremony on the Capitol’s west side.

Reuters

One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center

Out of the ashes, a resilient triumph: In November One World Trade Center was officially named the tallest building in North America. The height of One World Trade Center was purposely set at 1,776 feet, in tribute to America’s Declaration of Independence and the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. 9601280

Out of the ashes, a resilient triumph: In November One World Trade Center was officially named the tallest building in North America. The height of One World Trade Center was purposely set at 1,776 feet, in tribute to America’s Declaration of Independence and the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

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Prince George of Cambridge

Prince George of Cambridge

Royal baby mania gripped the world, as news crews waited outside London’s St. Mary’s Hospital for news of Kate and William’s royal delivery. Initial reports of a baby girl were quickly put to rest once the easel outside Buckingham Palace delivered the July 22 news: George Alexander Louis had arrived. 9601280

Royal baby mania gripped the world, as news crews waited outside London’s St. Mary’s Hospital for news of Kate and William’s royal delivery. Initial reports of a baby girl were quickly put to rest once the easel outside Buckingham Palace delivered the July 22 news: George Alexander Louis had arrived.

Reuters

Breaking Bad Tours

Breaking Bad Tours

It’s not every day that a city embraces its image as a meth-producing drug haven, unless, of course, that city is the subject of one of the most popular dramas of all time. Breaking Bad put Albuquerque on the map in a big way, and while Walt and Jesse’s adventures have ended, don’t count on Breaking Bad tours to follow suit anytime soon.9601280

It’s not every day that a city embraces its image as a meth-producing drug haven, unless, of course, that city is the subject of one of the most popular dramas of all time. Breaking Bad put Albuquerque on the map in a big way, and while Walt and Jesse’s adventures have ended, don’t count on Breaking Bad tours to follow suit anytime soon.

ABQ Trolley Co.

Government Shutdown, Blue Ridge Parkway

Government Shutdown, Blue Ridge Parkway

For the first time in 17 years, the US government shut down in October, and for the next 3 weeks, the nation watched as America’s national parks and memorials were barricaded. The grim news turned the spotlight on state parks nationwide, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway, where travelers could still find reprieve.9601280

For the first time in 17 years, the US government shut down in October, and for the next 3 weeks, the nation watched as America’s national parks and memorials were barricaded. The grim news turned the spotlight on state parks nationwide, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway, where travelers could still find reprieve.

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Gettysburg Anniversary

Gettysburg Anniversary

At just under 300 words, the Gettysburg Address summed up what was at stake in the Civil War, and what the death of tens of thousands of young men could ultimately mean to a hurting nation. In November the town of Gettysburg celebrated Lincoln’s words, months after having marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.9601280

At just under 300 words, the Gettysburg Address summed up what was at stake in the Civil War, and what the death of tens of thousands of young men could ultimately mean to a hurting nation. In November the town of Gettysburg celebrated Lincoln’s words, months after having marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Reuters

London Underground Anniversary

London Underground Anniversary

London had its own big 150th anniversary to celebrate this year, with the London Underground – the world’s first underground railway – marking its historic birthday. Various events throughout London have marked the Tube’s 150th anniversary, including a restored antique railway that traveled the same path as the Tube did back in 1863.9601280

London had its own big 150th anniversary to celebrate this year, with the London Underground – the world’s first underground railway – marking its historic birthday. Various events throughout London have marked the Tube’s 150th anniversary, including a restored antique railway that traveled the same path as the Tube did back in 1863.

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Pope Francis, Vatican City Tour

Pope Francis, Vatican City Tour

In a shock to the world, Pope Benedict abruptly resigned in February, becoming the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years. But then the world got a look at affable Pope Francis, originally from Argentina, and an upbeat air returned to this fascinating city-state within Italy, along with renewed interest in Vatican City tours. 9601280

In a shock to the world, Pope Benedict abruptly resigned in February, becoming the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years. But then the world got a look at affable Pope Francis, originally from Argentina, and an upbeat air returned to this fascinating city-state within Italy, along with renewed interest in Vatican City tours.

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Miss America, Atlantic City

Miss America, Atlantic City

It was exciting enough that the historic Miss America pageant returned to Atlantic City for the first time in 6 years. Then the pageant got even cooler when 2013’s winner turned out to be the first-ever Miss America of Indian descent: New York native Nina Davuluri. 9601280

It was exciting enough that the historic Miss America pageant returned to Atlantic City for the first time in 6 years. Then the pageant got even cooler when 2013’s winner turned out to be the first-ever Miss America of Indian descent: New York native Nina Davuluri.

Grand Central Terminal

In the 1970s, Grand Central Terminal was slated for demolition, until Jackie Kennedy joined in the effort to help save the iconic NYC train terminal. February marked Grand Central’s 100th anniversary, and with it, the continuation of a NYC landmark that sees some 700,000 commuters a day. 9601280

In the 1970s, Grand Central Terminal was slated for demolition, until Jackie Kennedy joined in the effort to help save the iconic NYC train terminal. February marked Grand Central’s 100th anniversary, and with it, the continuation of a NYC landmark that sees some 700,000 commuters a day.

Reuters

Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Beating out some formidable competition (Istanbul and Madrid), Tokyo landed a big win in September: For the first time since 1964, Japan’s capital got the nod to host the Summer Olympic Games. Slated for 2020, the games will unfold in Tokyo’s revamped National Olympic Stadium. 9601280

Beating out some formidable competition (Istanbul and Madrid), Tokyo landed a big win in September: For the first time since 1964, Japan’s capital got the nod to host the Summer Olympic Games. Slated for 2020, the games will unfold in Tokyo’s revamped National Olympic Stadium.

Reuters

Bret Michaels on Travel Channel

Bret Michaels on Travel Channel

In May, legendary rocker Bret Michaels traded in his mic for a sledgehammer and a whole new venture. As host of Travel Channel’s Rock My RV, Bret brought his passion for RVs to Travel’s audience, and proved that America’s favorite bandana-wearing rocker knows how to rock it in more ways than one. 9601280

In May, legendary rocker Bret Michaels traded in his mic for a sledgehammer and a whole new venture. As host of Travel Channel’s Rock My RV, Bret brought his passion for RVs to Travel’s audience, and proved that America’s favorite bandana-wearing rocker knows how to rock it in more ways than one.

CARIN_BAER

Hyperloop

Hyperloop

No, it’s not Blade Runner, it’s better: The futuristic Hyperloop will transport passengers in under 30 minutes between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The vision of billionaire Elon Musk, which he unveiled in August, the solar-powered transportation system is slated to take off once California state government approves the project. For commuters who must currently brave a 6-hour commute, that may not be a moment too soon. 9601280

No, it’s not Blade Runner, it’s better: The futuristic Hyperloop will transport passengers in under 30 minutes between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The vision of billionaire Elon Musk, which he unveiled in August, the solar-powered transportation system is slated to take off once California state government approves the project. For commuters who must currently brave a 6-hour commute, that may not be a moment too soon.

Elon Musk

Obamas in Ireland

Obamas in Ireland

First Lady Michelle Obama’s paid a visit to the Emerald Isle in June with daughters Sasha and Malia. Part of the Obamas’ 2-day Ireland trip included a visit to the valley of Glendalough, in County Wicklow, where they met with local tour guide George McClafferty. No word on whether he sang, “There’s No One as Irish as Barack Obama,” to them in honor of the president’s Irish roots. 9601280

First Lady Michelle Obama’s paid a visit to the Emerald Isle in June with daughters Sasha and Malia. Part of the Obamas’ 2-day Ireland trip included a visit to the valley of Glendalough, in County Wicklow, where they met with local tour guide George McClafferty. No word on whether he sang, “There’s No One as Irish as Barack Obama,” to them in honor of the president’s Irish roots.

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Ghost Adventures in Transylvania

Ghost Adventures in Transylvania

In October, Ghost Adventures ushered in its 100th episode in a monumental way, becoming the very first paranormal TV program to investigate the St. Louis home that inspired The Exorcist movie and novel. The crew followed up the 100th episode with another big turn, heading to Transylvania for Halloween. 9601280

In October, Ghost Adventures ushered in its 100th episode in a monumental way, becoming the very first paranormal TV program to investigate the St. Louis home that inspired The Exorcist movie and novel. The crew followed up the 100th episode with another big turn, heading to Transylvania for Halloween.

Nik Wallenda's Grand Canyon Walk

Nik Wallenda's Grand Canyon Walk

Plenty of nail-biting moments unfolded during the live broadcast of Nik Wallenda’s high-wire act near the Grand Canyon in June. The self-proclaimed “King of the Wire” walked across the Little Colorado River Gorge outside Grand Canyon National Park's borders, in under 25 minutes, with no safety harness. Can we say insane?9601280

Plenty of nail-biting moments unfolded during the live broadcast of Nik Wallenda’s high-wire act near the Grand Canyon in June. The self-proclaimed “King of the Wire” walked across the Little Colorado River Gorge outside Grand Canyon National Park's borders, in under 25 minutes, with no safety harness. Can we say insane?

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Boston World Series

Boston World Series

A city shaken by the Boston Marathon bombing in April rebounded with a bittersweet win in October, when the Boston Red Sox scored 3 runs in the third inning and 3 in the fourth to defeat St. Louis and win the World Series. 9601280

A city shaken by the Boston Marathon bombing in April rebounded with a bittersweet win in October, when the Boston Red Sox scored 3 runs in the third inning and 3 in the fourth to defeat St. Louis and win the World Series.

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Philippines Typhoon

Philippines Typhoon

The Philippines suffered its most devastating loss in early November, when Typhoon Haiyan made landfall, killing nearly 10,000 people in what would become the deadliest typhoon in the Philippines’ history. 9601280

The Philippines suffered its most devastating loss in early November, when Typhoon Haiyan made landfall, killing nearly 10,000 people in what would become the deadliest typhoon in the Philippines’ history.

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Dreamliner

Dreamliner

First Dreamliner Commercial FlightAll Nippon Airways (ANA) piloted the first commercial flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Tokyo’s Narita airport to Hong Kong on Oct. 26. The world's first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction made its debut after years of delays and billions of dollars spent over budget. The inaugural flight was filled with aviation enthusiasts who paid thousands of dollars for a seat and raved about the plane’s amenities.9601280

First Dreamliner Commercial FlightAll Nippon Airways (ANA) piloted the first commercial flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Tokyo’s Narita airport to Hong Kong on Oct. 26. The world's first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction made its debut after years of delays and billions of dollars spent over budget. The inaugural flight was filled with aviation enthusiasts who paid thousands of dollars for a seat and raved about the plane’s amenities.

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Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene Shuts Down East CoastHurricane Irene came ashore at North Carolina on Aug. 27 as a Category 1 storm. The huge, slow-moving tempest traveled up 1,100 miles of US coastline, leaving a trail of destruction resulting in 45 deaths and losses of up to $7 billion. The severe weather crippled travel along the East Coast, where more than 10,000 flights were cancelled, much of Amtrak’s service between Washington, DC, and Boston was suspended and many highways were closed.9601280

Hurricane Irene Shuts Down East CoastHurricane Irene came ashore at North Carolina on Aug. 27 as a Category 1 storm. The huge, slow-moving tempest traveled up 1,100 miles of US coastline, leaving a trail of destruction resulting in 45 deaths and losses of up to $7 billion. The severe weather crippled travel along the East Coast, where more than 10,000 flights were cancelled, much of Amtrak’s service between Washington, DC, and Boston was suspended and many highways were closed.

Reuters

Arab Spring

Arab Spring

Arab SpringOn Jan. 25, Arab Spring uprisings spread from Tunisia and other North African countries to Egypt, culminating in the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak 17 days later. While Egyptians rejoiced at the peaceful coup, the fallout crippled the tourism industry, the country’s largest source of revenue and jobs. Even as tourists began to return to landmarks such as the Pyramids at Giza and Cairo’s Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Egyptians again took to the streets in November, protesting the interim military government.9601280

Arab SpringOn Jan. 25, Arab Spring uprisings spread from Tunisia and other North African countries to Egypt, culminating in the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak 17 days later. While Egyptians rejoiced at the peaceful coup, the fallout crippled the tourism industry, the country’s largest source of revenue and jobs. Even as tourists began to return to landmarks such as the Pyramids at Giza and Cairo’s Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Egyptians again took to the streets in November, protesting the interim military government.

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Flip Cam

Flip Cam

Cisco Ceases Production of the Flip Video CameraOn April 12, Cisco announced that it was ceasing production of the Flip video recorder, a device that revolutionized the digital video camera market and became the trusty companion of travel bloggers worldwide. Cisco purchased Pure Digital Technology Inc., the inventor of Flip, in a $590 million deal in 2009.9601280

Cisco Ceases Production of the Flip Video CameraOn April 12, Cisco announced that it was ceasing production of the Flip video recorder, a device that revolutionized the digital video camera market and became the trusty companion of travel bloggers worldwide. Cisco purchased Pure Digital Technology Inc., the inventor of Flip, in a $590 million deal in 2009.

Reuters

Earthquake and Tsunami

Earthquake and Tsunami

Earthquake and Tsunami Hit JapanOn Friday, Mar. 10, Japan’s eastern coast was rocked by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded, then slammed by a ferocious 23-foot tsunami. The initial disaster killed thousands of people and wiped out entire towns and villages. Survivors endured weeks of aftershocks and rolling blackouts, while explosions and radiation leaks at the Fukushima nuclear plant caused worldwide panic. Measurement of the economic, environmental and human toll is ongoing.9601280

Earthquake and Tsunami Hit JapanOn Friday, Mar. 10, Japan’s eastern coast was rocked by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded, then slammed by a ferocious 23-foot tsunami. The initial disaster killed thousands of people and wiped out entire towns and villages. Survivors endured weeks of aftershocks and rolling blackouts, while explosions and radiation leaks at the Fukushima nuclear plant caused worldwide panic. Measurement of the economic, environmental and human toll is ongoing.

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LOT Polish Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines Makes Emergency Landing in WarsawNo one was hurt when a LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 767 flying from Newark, NJ, with 230 people onboard made an emergency landing at Warsaw's airport after its landing gear failed to deploy. Live television footage showed the plane sliding on its belly, sparks flying as it hit the runway, then being covered in flame retardant foam.9601280

LOT Polish Airlines Makes Emergency Landing in WarsawNo one was hurt when a LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 767 flying from Newark, NJ, with 230 people onboard made an emergency landing at Warsaw's airport after its landing gear failed to deploy. Live television footage showed the plane sliding on its belly, sparks flying as it hit the runway, then being covered in flame retardant foam.

Reuters

Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding, EnglandBritain’s Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a lavish ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey on April 29. More than a million tourists flooded England’s capital to witness the nuptials, spending tens of millions of pounds on refreshments, hotels, attractions and souvenirs. Meanwhile, highlights for the TV audience of 2 billion people worldwide included Kate’s much anticipated gown designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, the crazy hats worn by female wedding guests, and the bride’s sister and maid of honor, Pippa.9601280

Royal Wedding, EnglandBritain’s Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a lavish ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey on April 29. More than a million tourists flooded England’s capital to witness the nuptials, spending tens of millions of pounds on refreshments, hotels, attractions and souvenirs. Meanwhile, highlights for the TV audience of 2 billion people worldwide included Kate’s much anticipated gown designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, the crazy hats worn by female wedding guests, and the bride’s sister and maid of honor, Pippa.

Reuters

Volcano

Volcano

Eruption of Puyehue Volcano, ChileOn June 4, Chile’s Puyehue volcano erupted, spewing plumes of ash 6 miles into the atmosphere. Dozens of South American flights were scrapped and 6 airports in Argentina were closed as clouds of volcanic ash rode the wind toward the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of people were evacuated from surrounding rural communities in the southern Andes mountain chain.9601280

Eruption of Puyehue Volcano, ChileOn June 4, Chile’s Puyehue volcano erupted, spewing plumes of ash 6 miles into the atmosphere. Dozens of South American flights were scrapped and 6 airports in Argentina were closed as clouds of volcanic ash rode the wind toward the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of people were evacuated from surrounding rural communities in the southern Andes mountain chain.

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Qantas Airlines StrikeOn Oct. 29, Qantas Airways, the world’s 10th largest airline, grounded its entire fleet around the world and locked out striking employees. The airline said it made the move because it could not meet the "extreme demands" of 3 unions representing pilots, mechanics and ground staff. The airline resumed flights 2 days later after an Australian tribunal ordered an end to the dispute that affected nearly 70,000 passengers.9601280

Qantas Airlines StrikeOn Oct. 29, Qantas Airways, the world’s 10th largest airline, grounded its entire fleet around the world and locked out striking employees. The airline said it made the move because it could not meet the "extreme demands" of 3 unions representing pilots, mechanics and ground staff. The airline resumed flights 2 days later after an Australian tribunal ordered an end to the dispute that affected nearly 70,000 passengers.

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Flooding

Flooding

Unprecedented Flooding Slams Australia and ThailandMassive floods hit 2 of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations this year. In January, much of south and central Queensland, Australia, experienced its worst flooding in half a century, triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rains. In Thailand, unusually heavy rainfall in September, October and November resulted in flooding across 64 of the country’s 77 provinces. Bangkok’s main international airport remained open throughout the flooding, but the domestic airport was shut on Oct. 25 as floodwaters covered the runway and began seeping into terminal buildings.9601280

Unprecedented Flooding Slams Australia and ThailandMassive floods hit 2 of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations this year. In January, much of south and central Queensland, Australia, experienced its worst flooding in half a century, triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rains. In Thailand, unusually heavy rainfall in September, October and November resulted in flooding across 64 of the country’s 77 provinces. Bangkok’s main international airport remained open throughout the flooding, but the domestic airport was shut on Oct. 25 as floodwaters covered the runway and began seeping into terminal buildings.

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Virgin Galactic Begins Taking ReservationsIf you’re sitting on an extra $200,000, why not join the 430 would-be amateur astronauts who have already signed up for a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight? The deposit is only $20,000, and since the company has yet to reveal an exact launch date, you have time to save up for the rest. If that’s still a little much, buy a T-shirt on the website for just $40.9601280

Virgin Galactic Begins Taking ReservationsIf you’re sitting on an extra $200,000, why not join the 430 would-be amateur astronauts who have already signed up for a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight? The deposit is only $20,000, and since the company has yet to reveal an exact launch date, you have time to save up for the rest. If that’s still a little much, buy a T-shirt on the website for just $40.

Bermuda

Their first international trip "has Emily written all over it"-- Bermuda, an island of turquoise waters, pink sands and tiny bikinis. She and her bachelors explored quaint St. George’s, competed in a sailboat race at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and walked under a lucky Moon Gate, which legend says blesses young lovers. 9601280

Their first international trip "has Emily written all over it"-- Bermuda, an island of turquoise waters, pink sands and tiny bikinis. She and her bachelors explored quaint St. George’s, competed in a sailboat race at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and walked under a lucky Moon Gate, which legend says blesses young lovers.

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Rosewood Tucker's Point

Rosewood Tucker's Point

The bachelors arrived on mopeds at the gorgeous Rosewood Tucker’s Point, an 88-room British colonial-style luxury resort. On a 1-on-1 date, Emily and Doug enjoyed a candlelit dinner in the wine cellar at The Point, the resort's fine dining restaurant.9601280

The bachelors arrived on mopeds at the gorgeous Rosewood Tucker’s Point, an 88-room British colonial-style luxury resort. On a 1-on-1 date, Emily and Doug enjoyed a candlelit dinner in the wine cellar at The Point, the resort's fine dining restaurant.

Rosewood Tucker's Point

Cliff Jumping

Cliff Jumping

What's a bigger rush than falling in love? Nate, John and Emily found out when they went cliff jumping on Dive Board Island.9601280

What's a bigger rush than falling in love? Nate, John and Emily found out when they went cliff jumping on Dive Board Island.

Justin De La Ornellas, flickr

Crystal Caves

Crystal Caves

The awkward 2-on-1 date continued with an intimate dinner among the stalactites and reflecting pools of Crystal Caves. Accidentally discovered in 1905 by 2 teenagers during a game of cricket, the caves have become one of Bermuda's biggest attractions.9601280

The awkward 2-on-1 date continued with an intimate dinner among the stalactites and reflecting pools of Crystal Caves. Accidentally discovered in 1905 by 2 teenagers during a game of cricket, the caves have become one of Bermuda's biggest attractions.

teachandlearn, flickr

London

London

Upon arriving in London, the bachelors settled into the Amarillo Suite at the May Fair Hotel, which boasts some of the best suites in the city.9601280

Upon arriving in London, the bachelors settled into the Amarillo Suite at the May Fair Hotel, which boasts some of the best suites in the city.

The May Fair Hotel, London

The May Fair Hotel, London

The May Fair Hotel, London

The 5-star hotel was first opened in 1927 by King George V. Good enough for a British royalty and The Bachelorette? We're booking now … 9601280

The 5-star hotel was first opened in 1927 by King George V. Good enough for a British royalty and The Bachelorette? We're booking now …

The May Fair Hotel, London

Double Decker Bus Tour

Double Decker Bus Tour

Emily was a wealth of knowledge as she and Sean whizzed by Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral on a double-decker bus. Wait, so you don't have producers feeding you trivia? You can rely on a guide from the same tour company.9601280

Emily was a wealth of knowledge as she and Sean whizzed by Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral on a double-decker bus. Wait, so you don't have producers feeding you trivia? You can rely on a guide from the same tour company.

Frederick Dennstedt, flickr

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

You don't have to profess your love on "Speaker's Corner" like Sean to enjoy a romantic picnic in Hyde Park.9601280

You don't have to profess your love on "Speaker's Corner" like Sean to enjoy a romantic picnic in Hyde Park.

VisitBritain

Royal Shakespeare Company

Royal Shakespeare Company

If you enjoyed the guys' performance of Romeo and Juliet, taking in a show at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon will be infinity more authentic. (No offense, Arie.)9601280

If you enjoyed the guys' performance of Romeo and Juliet, taking in a show at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon will be infinity more authentic. (No offense, Arie.)

MylesMc, Wikimedia Commons

Afternoon Tea at the Chiswick House

Afternoon Tea at the Chiswick House

Emily and Jef's 1-on-1 date got off to a rocky start at the Chiswick House, but chances are you'll have a much better time sharing afternoon tea at the magnificent estate without Jean, their etiquette coach, hovering over you.9601280

Emily and Jef's 1-on-1 date got off to a rocky start at the Chiswick House, but chances are you'll have a much better time sharing afternoon tea at the magnificent estate without Jean, their etiquette coach, hovering over you.

Jim Linwood, flickr

London Eye

London Eye

The 2 capped off the night by sharing dessert onboard the London Eye. Visitors can hire private capsules to take in the stunning skyline, too, but if you opt for the Cupid's Capsule, let’s hope you enjoy the champagne and truffles more than Emily and Jef -- who left their dessert untouched.9601280

The 2 capped off the night by sharing dessert onboard the London Eye. Visitors can hire private capsules to take in the stunning skyline, too, but if you opt for the Cupid's Capsule, let’s hope you enjoy the champagne and truffles more than Emily and Jef -- who left their dessert untouched.

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Croatia

Croatia

Next, they journeyed to Croatia, where the bachelors were rightfully blown away by the charming clay rooftops and gleaming Adriatic Sea. 9601280

Next, they journeyed to Croatia, where the bachelors were rightfully blown away by the charming clay rooftops and gleaming Adriatic Sea.

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The Old Town of Dubrovnik

The Old Town of Dubrovnik

Emily and Travis "felt like [they] went back in time" as they strolled the narrow, cobblestone streets within Dubrovnik's city walls.9601280

Emily and Travis "felt like [they] went back in time" as they strolled the narrow, cobblestone streets within Dubrovnik's city walls.

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Balancing Stone in Dubrovnik

Balancing Stone in Dubrovnik

Legend has it that those who can stand on the Dubrovnik balancing stone and take off their shirt at the same time will be lucky in love. Not surprisingly, Travis' refusal to try left him standing without a rose.9601280

Legend has it that those who can stand on the Dubrovnik balancing stone and take off their shirt at the same time will be lucky in love. Not surprisingly, Travis' refusal to try left him standing without a rose.

iStock

Prague

Prague

Next, Emily checked into the Aria Hotel Prague. Popular with Hollywood stars, each of the hotel’s 4 floors is dedicated to a different genre of music: jazz, opera, classical and contemporary.9601280

Next, Emily checked into the Aria Hotel Prague. Popular with Hollywood stars, each of the hotel’s 4 floors is dedicated to a different genre of music: jazz, opera, classical and contemporary.

Aria Hotel

Goldenwell Hotel

Goldenwell Hotel

Meanwhile, the guys checked into the Golden Well Hotel, where Chris famously suffered a meltdown about his lack of time with Emily.9601280

Meanwhile, the guys checked into the Golden Well Hotel, where Chris famously suffered a meltdown about his lack of time with Emily.

Goldenwell Hotel

Prague Boat Tour

Prague Boat Tour

Emily and John's 1-on-1 boat tour through picturesque Prague is as romantic as it looks. Private Prague Guide even offers private boat tours when the city is lit up at night.9601280

Emily and John's 1-on-1 boat tour through picturesque Prague is as romantic as it looks. Private Prague Guide even offers private boat tours when the city is lit up at night.

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Lennon Wall

Lennon Wall

Since the 1980s, disgruntled young Czechs have filled the Lennon Wall with graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs. So what do Emily and John paint? The Bachelorette boat race, of course.9601280

Since the 1980s, disgruntled young Czechs have filled the Lennon Wall with graffiti and lyrics from Beatles songs. So what do Emily and John paint? The Bachelorette boat race, of course.

Jose Mesa, flickr

Krivoklat Castle

Krivoklat Castle

Emily took Doug, Chris and Sean to Krivoklat Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. A popular, romantic wedding site, you can also tour the legendary prison and torture chamber if you're not worried about ruining the mood.9601280

Emily took Doug, Chris and Sean to Krivoklat Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. A popular, romantic wedding site, you can also tour the legendary prison and torture chamber if you're not worried about ruining the mood.

Thinkstock

Curacao

Curacao

While Emily may be the first Bachelorette in history to pass up the beautiful fantasy suites, she still got her fairytale on the island of Curacao with an intimate proposal at night in the cobblestone courtyard of the Kura Hulanda Resort. 9601280

While Emily may be the first Bachelorette in history to pass up the beautiful fantasy suites, she still got her fairytale on the island of Curacao with an intimate proposal at night in the cobblestone courtyard of the Kura Hulanda Resort.